Ignorant

Luke 9: ⁴⁶ Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. ⁴⁷ And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, ⁴⁸ and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”

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While talking to a “helper”, in the middle of my sentence one of the higher-ups walked into the room. Without finishing my sentence, I immediately turned around to greet the “noble” person and walked away from the “help.”

• There were times when I treated people differently.
• There were times when I viewed those with a title as being greater than those who did not have one.
• There were times when I placed a higher value on the “wisdom” of those in higher positions than those without positions.

After a dispute over who would be “greatest” JESUS looked into their heart at the root of their desires. HE may have seen arrogance and the ability to ignore the words people they did not value. JESUS may have known their ability to devalue the words of children so HIS illustration was clear.

• GOD wants me to value “everyone” because HE does.
• GOD wants me to seek to server everyone, not just the rich and powerful.
• GOD wants me to stop looking to be the greatest and allow HIM to have that classification.

Whenever I think I am greater than someone else, things go horribly wrong. My arrogance is increased followed by ignorant words that blow off those I thought were beneath me. JESUS wants me to be a servant and receive everyone HE sends to me or sends me to. GOD is the only one who is great.

• Do you chase those who have titles?
• Do you think someone is greater than another person?
• Will you seek to serve those who you feel do not deserve your servanthood?

Hearing Aid

Luke 9: ⁴³ And they were all amazed at the majesty of God.

But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, ⁴⁴ “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” ⁴⁵ But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.

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“Blah, blah, blah, “Savings”, blah, blah, blah, “Don’t get in debt”, blah, blah, blah something about credit cards were the words I did not really listen to. I went out and bought a bunch of clothes anyway. I mean I had to look good, right?

• There were times when I did not listen.
• There were times when the warnings were in front of me but I could not hear.
• There were times when I was told exactly what to expect but could not listen.

For a second time, JESUS makes it very plain that HE would be betrayed and murdered. HE said this right after healing a boy and raising a girl from the dead. “How could anyone touch a person who did such miracles?”, were probably the words rolling through their minds. HIS words did not sink in.

• JESUS wants me to hear these words “I love you and I AM protecting you.”
• JESUS wants me to hear “I have a plan for you that you may not understand, but it is great, if you follow MY commands.”
• JESUS wants me to know “I love those who love ME by loving others.”

Sometimes the simplest messages are the hardest to hear. JESUS simply wants me to tell people “HE loves them” but this simple message is block by sin, worry and confusion. Sometimes when I cannot hear these words, it’s because I have either done something wrong or I’m too worried to listen.

GOD wants me to have peace in the middle of the storm. HE guides me to faith when the impossible seems to be in front of me. HE leads me besides still waters and restores my soul.

• Are you too worried about life that you cannot hear the words of GOD?
• Do you think your situation is too great this time?
• Are you absolutely too tired because things do not seem to be going your way?
• Will you listen to GOD today and know HE loves you with all HIS heart?

Illogical Belief

Luke 9: ³⁷ Now it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met Him. ³⁸ Suddenly a man from the multitude cried out, saying, “Teacher, I implore You, look on my son, for he is my only child. ³⁹ And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out; it convulses him so that he foams at the mouth; and it departs from him with great difficulty, bruising him. ⁴⁰ So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.”

⁴¹ Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.”⁴² And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father.

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Praying wasn’t uncommon for me, but this time it was more serious. Someone very close to me was very ill with a life threatening disease. Prompted to pray, I kneeled down and cried out. “Please!”

• There have been many times when life was overwhelming to me.
• There have been many times when things around me seemed to get out of hand.
• There have been many times when I felt helpless and felt I had nowhere to turn.

A father came to JESUS begging HIM to heal his son from a demonic hold. The disciples tried to rid the boy of the evil spirit, but could not. JESUS simply spoke and the boy was healed.

• GOD says to me “MY power is greater than any unclean power.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid, for I AM with you.”
• GOD says to me “Have faith and believe and you will see and do great things.”

Believing that GOD will take care of physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual matters sometimes seems like too much to bear. I mean it is illogical to believe in demons causing physical problems that obvious research and science can explain away. BUT GOD says “believe.”

JESUS created everything, yet we as humans believe humans are the center of existence. GOD wants me to have faith in the spiritual realm and credit everything to HIM rather than random chance or an unlucky “universe.” HE is my healer and I am forever grateful to GOD.

• Are you facing something difficult that is thoroughly out of your hands?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you stop trying to be logical and allow GOD to fill you with HIS SPIRIT today?
• Will you be healed by GOD by allowing HIM to penetrate your heart?

Anointed Announcement

Luke 9: ³⁴ While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ³⁶ When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

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“Here are your new leaders” one of the higher ups said. I couldn’t believe it. I was one of the people on the stage they spoke of. With this announcement came a larger responsibility. Was I ready?

• There were times when I was announced.
• There were times when news about me was heralded.
• There were times when people were told to listen to me.

JESUS was announced as the “SON of GOD” to Peter, James and John. This anointed message was said again to a crowd of people when JESUS was baptized. These important words may have been the last anyone has heard from the HEAVENLY FATHER of the triune GOD.

• JESUS is the anointed CHRIST and I need to listen to HIM.
• JESUS is the SON of the Living GOD and I must obey HIS words.
• JESUS is the HOLY ONE who voluntarily gave HIS life for me.

GOD wants all of humanity to know that life is all about JESUS in spite of our selfish thinking. The ONE who created everything is the same who was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead as our Savior. This is the special announcement GOD wants me to tell everyone.

• Are you looking to be in the spotlight?
• Do you want true success?
• Will you take a moment today and tell people about how special GOD is to you?

Strategic Conversation

Luke 9: ²⁸ Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.²⁹ As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. ³⁰ And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, ³¹ who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ³² But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. ³³ Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

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Running late I eased into the conference room through a back door. The faces were familiar but not for the meeting I was supposed to attend. “May I help you” said one of the participants as I searched for an open seat. I told them what meeting I was there for and they pointed me down the hall as the heads of the company had confiscated the room I was in. I wonder what they were talking about.

• There were times when I wanted to hear what leaders had to say.
• There were times when I desired to hear how strategy was developed.
• There were times when I was curious about decision making for big corporations.

Moses and Elijah appeared to JESUS with an important conversation about JESUS’ death that HE was going to “accomplish” at Jerusalem. This highly strategic conversation was not confidential, but Peter, James and John could not stay away to hear it. Peter blurted out an offer of hospitality when he woke up, delirious.

• GOD has given me HIS strategic plan by placing HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside of me..
• GOD has gracefully included me in the conversation by allowing HIS SON to die for me.
• GOD has shown me the future through HIS written word.

Powerful people rise and fall, BUT GOD reigns forever. HE prepared JESUS to take on all the blame for every sin committed by every person. JESUS gracefully volunteered HIS life and the FATHER conceded. I am grateful GOD allows me to understand HIS plan for me.

• Are you frustrated with your impending future?
• Do you think GOD does not hear you or care for you?
• Can you stop trying to figure out the future and allow GOD to guide you with HIS HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you seek GOD through HIS word and accept HIS plan for you today?

“No” Practice

Luke 9: ²³ Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. ²⁴ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. ²⁵ For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? ²⁶ For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. ²⁷ But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

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“Do you want some weed?” was the strange question of a person offering the drug to me. “No” I said in an “Are you kidding?” way. “Can you be my lookout as I pick up something” one thug said to me as he was shoplifting. “No” I said as I eased away from the beating. “You want to go out, get drunk and hang with a bunch of loose women?” a buddy asked me. “What time?” I answered.

• There were many times when I said “yes” when I should have said no.
• There were many times when the day was filled with “my” desires.
• There were many times when I had no time for anything else but “me.”

JESUS gives a harder lesson to the crowd. “Deny yourself and follow ME.” This message truly conflicts with the “way of life.” JESUS wanted the crowd to not pay attention to their desires as much and pay attention to HIS desires.

• GOD wants me to seek HIS face daily.
• GOD wants me to pray to HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to make my decisions based on serving HIM daily.

When I want to sin, GOD wants me to practice saying “No.” As with any practice, I will fail and fall into the sin I was trying to avoid. GOD says to me “It’s okay. I forgive you. Try again tomorrow and the next day and the next.” HE knows my short comings and still watches over me, giving me practice to strengthen my faith.

Practice also includes not being ashamed of JESUS. Bold speech about HIM is one thing but HE also wants me to boldly admit my sins and speak on the more shameful sides of me and to do it in HIS name. It takes practice to deny the pride of looking perfect. Only GOD is perfect.

• Are you trying to pretend everything is well with you when you meet with church goers?
• Is your life a mess for real but you are wearing a mask?
• Can you deny your pride and admit the more ugly side of you and tell people you are saved through CHRIST in spite of your actions?

Rejection Purpose

Luke 9: ²¹ And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, ²² saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

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Girls lined up on one side and guys on the other was the set up for failure I feared when walking into the dance. It seemed like the room grew larger as I walked across the empty space to ask someone to dance. When the word “No” came out I embarrassingly ventured back to the laughing and pointing.

• There were times when I was rejected and felt embarrassed.
• There were times when I was rejected and my feelings were hurt.
• There were times when I was rejected and I was not listened to.

JESUS tells HIS disciples and others around them that HE must suffer, be rejected and eventually killed by those who supposedly led various churches. This sad news was coupled with the reason. JESUS would be raised on the third day.

• GOD wants me to know when I am rejected by humans, HE has accepted me.
• GOD wants me to know that HE will never reject me because I believe in HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to know life will be full of rejection but HIS love for me is everlasting.

Suffering, rejection and death were the gifts given to the CREATOR by HIS humans. Many times I give GOD these gifts by refusing to follow HIM or trust HIM or believe in HIS power over my situation. BUT GOD stays faithful in HIS love for me.

HE decided to take my punishment for me while providing HIS love towards me. It is up to me to accept what JESUS did for me or reject it. I accept HIS loving gift with open arms! Human rejection stings, but is temporary. GOD's love for me endures forever.

• Are you rejecting JESUS?
• Do you feel you can do life on your own?
• Will you stop rejecting HIS guidance and allow HIM to root out the things that do not belong in you?
• Will you ask JESUS to be your Savior and protector today?

Big or Small

Luke 9: ¹⁸ And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

¹⁹ So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.”

²⁰ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.”

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Ashamed of asking for forgiveness I decided to shrink away. “I’m tired of feeling pitiful” I thought to myself. Things weren’t going as well as I would have liked them to and to top it off, I was being told to confess how wrong I was to this “GOD” thing. I decided I had enough. I would try to fix things on my own.

• There were times when I thought very little of GOD.
• There were times when I thought GOD was just like other humans.
• There were times when I thought I could fix “me” better than GOD.

JESUS asks two very important questions to HIS disciples “Who do the crowds say I AM?” and “Who do you say I AM?” The disciples answered, “The crowds say YOU are special, but still only a human with gifts.” Then Peter said “YOU are THE CHRIST of GOD” which was the right answer.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is THE CHRIST who redeems the world.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is the only way to salvation in this life and eternity.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is THE SENT ONE from GOD.

If I can leave GOD then my view of HIM is extremely small. In reality, I can never get away from HIM because HE is too large to get around. HE is all knowing, all seeing and is everywhere. HIS power is infinite and HIS love the same.

When I think HE cannot forgive me “this time” then I have forgotten how large HIS love truly is. The same goes for my doubts of HIS deliverance from trouble, or HIS disbelief in the plan to prosper me. I make GOD small when I do not believe. BUT GOD is forgiving and says to me “All I need is a little faith and I will do the rest.” I am glad GOD is infinitely huge and loves me.

• Who do you say JESUS is?
• Do you feel your problems are larger than HIS love for you?
• Will you allow HIM to be larger than any human plot against you?

Help Them

Luke 9: ¹⁰ And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. ¹¹ But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. ¹² When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.”

¹³ But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.”

And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” ¹⁴ For there were about five thousand men.

Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.”¹⁵ And they did so, and made them all sit down.

¹⁶ Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. ¹⁷ So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.

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Driving under a viaduct, I could see  a mound or stuff that looked like trash. Upon closer inspection I could see a person laying in the heap. The person was homeless and I felt sorry for them. The light changed and I drove on.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed seeing people in need around me.

Sometimes I feel like the problem is too big for me to even start helping.

Sometimes I feel exhausted just thinking of my problems, let alone the problems other people are facing.

JESUS says something very strange. HE tells the disciples “You give them something to eat” in reference to feeding a crowd of five thousand or more people. They only had enough food for one person and suggested “money” and “time” as the answer. BUT GOD had another answer.

GOD wants me to know that only HE is the answer to any problem.

GOD wants me to understand that only HE can provide when it looks impossible.

GOD wants me to seek HIM as a solution to everything.

JESUS spoke with the FATHER then split the food up so everyone ate their fill. There was so much food left over that each disciple had a large basket of leftovers. HE wants me to see that only HE is the answer to all of my problems, large and small. HE grows my faith to believe HE can do absolutely anything!

Are you overwhelmed?

Do you think large problems require a solution that comes from humans?

Will you allow GOD to show you how great and powerful HE really is by trusting that HE has the solution?

Too Powerful

Luke 9: ⁷ Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, ⁸ and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. ⁹ Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.

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Watch the water rise was all I could do. It had rained seemingly nonstop for days and now the area was flooded. Stopping by the edge of the river I noticed the current picking up heavy branches. Nothing could stop the water.

• I have seen rivers flood entire towns.
• I have seen rivers wipe away heavy buildings.
• I have seen rivers push their mighty force on anything in their path.

Herod thought he could have a peaceful rulership by getting rid of those who spoke of someone who could be more powerful than him. His envious, suspicious, devious nature got the best of him so he had John the Baptist murdered. BUT GOD was still there.

• GOD shows me HIS power cannot be stopped.
• GOD shows me HIS word is permanent and cannot be prevented from spreading.
• GOD shows me HIS will is impenetrable, irreversible and impeccable.

The Good News about CHRIST is too powerful to stop. Like a rushing river, it wipes out those who try to stand is HIS way. HIS protection of me is the same. Those who try to harm me befall a terrible outcome as GOD steps in with HIS might. JESUS is too powerful to stop. I am grateful for HIS rescue.

• Is your life about you or JESUS?
• Do you think blessings are held back from you?
• Will you stop thinking GOD is powerless and watch HIS mighty river pour down on the enemy who is no match for HIS torrent?

Fully Supplied

Luke 9: Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. ² He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. ³ And He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece.

⁴ “Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. ⁵ And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.”

⁶ So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

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“I wonder if I should take another class” I said to myself as I sought to be in a leadership role. I sat with mentors and asked their advice. After getting training and advice I wondered what else I was missing.

• There are times when I feel inadequate.
• There are times when I feel insecure about myself.
• There are times when I feel I do not have what it takes to amount to anything.

JESUS does something radical. HE sent HIS disciples out to spread the Good News about HIM being the one who would save all of humanity. HE didn’t send them with money, clothes, food or a change of clothes. They had nothing the world could see. But they had something else.

• When JESUS saved me HE gave me all I needed to do HIS ministry.
• When JESUS pulled me into HIS family HE provided me with a purpose.
• When JESUS washed me of all my sins HE sent me to tell everyone that HE can do the same for them and their families and their family’s families.

JESUS proved that ministry does not take money in order for HIS power to be spread. HE gives anyone who asks the power and abilities to spread HIS message of love and salvation. The message doesn’t need buildings, staff or tee shirts. GOD’s message can be preached daily to those who desire to hear. HE sends me with a grateful heart.

• Are you broke?
• Do you feel GOD’s word cannot be preached without money?
• Will you accept the gifts and talents you already possesses and use them to preach HIS message of love and salvation today?

Already Done

Luke 8: ⁴⁹ While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”

⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” ⁵¹ When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. ⁵² Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” ⁵³ And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.

⁵⁴ But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” ⁵⁵ Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. ⁵⁶ And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

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“Get on a plane to California on Monday” said one of the senior leaders to me. I could not believe the statement, as it was Friday and the decision that would change where I would live was already made. I had to stop thinking I was going to live where I lived and start looking forward to the place I was going.

• Sometimes it is difficult to wrap my mind around decisions that are already made.
• Sometimes it is hard for me to think of something new in my life.
• Sometimes it is scary to face something new.

“Do not be afraid; only believe” were the words of JESUS as HE spoke of, what looked like, a dead girl. How in the world could anyone muster up the belief that a person who is dead could come back to life? It had never happened before, why would it happen now? GOD wanted them to think differently.

• JESUS says to me “Do not be afraid” so HE can calm my repetitious thinking of the future.
• JESUS says to me “Only believe” so HE can rest my mind on the thing HE has already done for me.
• JESUS says to me “Arise” so HIS purpose may be made known to others around me and they may believe.

When GOD has decided something for me, nothing can change the decision. I mean HIS wonderful plan for me is irrevocable. HE has already put HIS plan into action and the great things HE has for me are already done. I must get my mind ready for HIS great decision and act like I am ready to receive the marvelous blessings HE pours out on me. HE prepares me.

• Are you grousing about your life?
• Do you spend an enormous amount of time complaining about where GOD has you?
• Can you believe HE has already blessed you and start acting like HIS blessings are already here?
• Will you believe HIS blessings are already done for you?

Made Whole

Luke 8: ⁴³ Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, ⁴⁴ came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.

⁴⁵ And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”

When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”

⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” ⁴⁷ Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.

⁴⁸ And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

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Not liking who I was, I walked around complaining constantly. I mean I felt I was broken. I did not like my body size, hair, clothes, skin color, social status and financial capability. Everything was wrong and I wanted people to know this.

• There were times when I felt everything was broken.
• There were times when even my physical body was broken.
• There were times when I thought nothing was right in my life.

For over 4,300 days, day after day a woman was reminded that something was wrong. Her constant bleeding probably left her anemic with no solution in sight. She saw her opportunity to be healed and simply touched the hem of JESUS’s garment and was immediately made whole.

• When I accepted JESUS as my Savior I was made whole.
• When I believed that JESUS, who is GOD, became a human to die for me, I was made whole.
• When I confessed my sins to JESUS, HE cleansed me of all unrighteousness and made me whole.

Sometimes I want more than I have. I mean I an sometimes not satisfied with my current situation. BUT GOD has made me whole. HE has healed me from the wounds of eternal death and cares for me daily. No matter what the situation is, HE loves me without a doubt.

• Are you facing a prolonged issue?
• Are you reminded about your problems day after day?
• Will you reach out to JESUS’ power and allow HIM to make you whole?
• Will you accept where HE has you and praise HIM today?

Where to Turn

Luke 8: ⁴⁰ So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. ⁴¹ And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, ⁴² for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. 

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Having no answers, I was in a panic. It seemed like my problems were more than I could handle at the time. I tried asking coworkers and friends, but they had no answers. My family wouldn’t understand. Where could I go for answers?

• There were times when I did not have any answers.
• There were times when I ran out of ideas.
• There were times when the problems seemed to be bigger than any solution I could come up with.

Jairus had nowhere to turn. His only child was sick and he went to JESUS for the answer. He probably heard of JESUS through the news that spread all over the area about HIS miraculous healing. He fell at JESUS’ feet begging HIM to come to his house.

• When I run out of answers I should turn to JESUS.
• When I am faced with problems I should turn to JESUS.
• When I do not have any answers and the problems keep coming, I should turn to JESUS.

JESUS says “Come unto ME all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” HE does not want me exasperated rather at peace. HE knows the enemy will constantly seek to put up hurdles for me to jump so HE makes it easy by carrying me over each obstacle. JESUS gives me hope when there is no hope.

• Do you feel hopeless?
• Do you feel alone with the problems you face?
• Will you turn to JESUS today and give HIM your problems while asking for HIS peace today?

Reasonable Purpose

Luke 8: ³⁸ Now the man from whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, ³⁹ “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

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“Please oh please let me get through this” I cried out to the LORD. It seemed like the storm had been prolonged, and I was very tired. On that same day all of the current situations cleared up. I told no one.

• There have been times when things went right and I did not praise GOD.
• There have been times when I got everything I asked for and told no one about GOD.
• There have been times when all my prayers were answered and I kept my praise to myself.

The man healed from being tormented by demons desired to follow JESUS, BUT GOD had a different plan. JESUS told him to “Return to your own house, and tell what great things GOD has done for you.” The man did so and now his life had purpose.

• When GOD brings me through trials HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS grace.
• When GOD rescues me HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS mercy.
• When GOD delivers me from small to large situations HE wants me to proclaim HIS love to everyone.

GOD wants me to be very vocal about HIS goodness. HE has delivered me time and time again. In fact, HE is busy delivering me through current trials! HE does not want me to grow weary and fills me up with HIS blessings. GOD is my refuge.

• Are you growing tired?
• Are you going through another trial?
• Can you remember the times GOD has delivered you over and over again so your faith can grow and get you through this trial?
• Will you tell people about the goodness of GOD today?

Permitted Protection

Luke 8: ³⁰ Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?”

And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. ³¹ And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss.

³² Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. ³³ Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned.

³⁴ When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. ³⁵ Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. ³⁶ They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed. ³⁷ Then the whole multitude of the surrounding region of the Gadarenes asked Him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. And He got into the boat and returned.

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“He’s alright” nodded the person as I tried to get into a restricted place. I had not been amongst the lavish before so I never noticed the plain clothed guards at discreet entrances. Once inside, I could see why the rich and powerful craved these kind of places because I felt secure.

• There were times when I needed permission to pass through “security.”
• There were times when I was allowed into a secure place.
• There were times when I was the one who was guarded and protected.

JESUS permitted the demons to leave the possessed man and enter a herd of swine. HE could have said “No”, but instead allowed them to wreak havoc on the herd. HE protected the healed man from any more harm and danger. JESUS also allowed the townspeople to ask HIM to go away. HE heeded their request.

• GOD wants me to ask permission for any request.
• GOD wants me to realize HE has the power over any force.
• GOD wants me to know HE has the power to protect me and make me feel secure.

Humans can only temporarily protect me with their limited power. BUT GOD can protect me from every force that tries to come up against me. With HIS permission, I am allowed into HIS family. HE wraps HIS loving arms around me and places me in HIS hand for which no one can pluck me out.

• Are you facing something very large that seems impossible to get out of?
• Are you afraid of an outcome that is out of your control?
• Can you ask GOD for HIS permission to protect you and cleanse you today?

Recognition

Luke 8: ²⁶ Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. ²⁷ And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” ²⁹ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

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When the top executive walked in, I stopped my conversation with the “hired help” and immediately tried to think of something clever to say. “The project I’m working on is going great” were the first words I could think of. He ignored me and walked past. The admin I was talking to turned away from me as well.

• There were times when I got confused by those who had titles.
• There were times when I felt turned around by people who were put in “power.”
• There were times when I felt lost around those who were supposedly “in charge.”

A certain man who had demons cried out “What have I to do with YOU, JESUS, SON of the MOST HIGH GOD? I beg YOU, do not torment me!” The demons inside the man recognized JESUS’s authority and begged for mercy.

• GOD wants me to recognize JESUS as my savior.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS has risen from the murder and has all authority.
• GOD wants me to bow before JESUS who is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD.

Sometimes I don’t give JESUS enough credit for who HE really is. I mean I complain to HIM and whine that I am not comfortable enough, but that may not be the right train of thought. JESUS is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD. HE has all authority under HIM and my faith is generated from belief in HIM. No circumstance, situation or state of affairs can stop HIS love for me!

• Do you believe in JESUS?
• Do you really believe that HE is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD?
• Will you recognize HIS power and authority over huge and small circumstances in your life and turn the solution over to HIM today?

Decisions

Luke 8: ²² Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. ²³ But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. ²⁴ And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

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With sheets of rain pounding against the car I gripped the steering wheel in anguish. “LORD what should I do?” I said. Through the extremely poor visibility I could see the flashing lights of people who had pulled over. “Keep going” were the strange words I could hear. “YOU are kidding!” I thought, but I obeyed. About a five miles later it wasn’t raining at all.

• There were times when the storm seemed so big that I felt I would never make it out.
• There were times when the winds of life hit hard and it seemed like there would never ba an end.
• There were times when the torrents of problems flooded my life.

JESUS was asleep when a huge storm hit as they were crossing a lake. This was a big problem as it seemed like there was no escape. Water beneath and water falling from the sky meant there was no place to go. JESUS rebuked the wind, then asked “Where is your faith?”

• JESUS wants me to base my decisions on HIS protections.
• JESUS wants me to base my decisions on faith not on what I currently see.
• JESUS wants me to base my decisions on HIS promises to be with me always rather than what I am currently worried about.

Deciding to follow GOD seems difficult at times. I mean the problems of life can sometimes present themselves as huge and out of control. BUT GOD says something different. HE says “I AM in control of the largest storm, I can certainly handle any problem you face.” GOD wants me to go through the storm and come out the other side with faith.

• Does the storm you are facing seem huge and out of control?
• Does it seem like there is no way out of the storm?
• Can you place your trust in GOD and decide to have faith in HIS wonderful plan HE has for you today?